Province forecasts low to moderate spring flood risk

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This article was published 01/03/2024 (648 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba’s risk of significant spring flooding is forecast to be low to moderate.

The Hydrologic Forecast Centre released a flood outlook report Friday, the day before a winter storm was set to hit Manitoba. The storm will bring 15 to 35 millimetres of precipitation to most parts of Manitoba.

“This system will likely bring snow, rain, freezing rain and even a few rumbles of thunder,” Environment Canada said on its website. “The storm will move out of the region Monday.”

The system is predicted to begin Saturday evening and end Monday morning.

Some areas could receive up to 35 cm of snow in a very short period of time, the Hydrologic Forecast Centre said, with heavy winds gusting up to 60 km/h. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility on Manitoba roads.

Soil moisture levels at freeze-up and normal to well-below normal winter precipitation in most basins contributed to the favourable flood forecast. Spring water levels are expected to remain below dikes and community flood-protection infrastructure limits.

The flood risk on the Red River and its tributaries is low to moderate, while the risk is low on the Assiniboine, Souris and Qu’Apelle rivers, as well as in northern Manitoba.

The flood risk is “generally low” in the Whiteshell lakes region and the Winnipeg River system.

The centre is forecasting a moderate risk of flooding in the Interlake, with most Manitoba lakes at normal or below normal levels for this time of year.

The Red River Floodway is not expected to be operated, barring unfavourable weather conditions and the need to mitigate water levels in Winnipeg.

The Shellmouth Reservoir is in operation to reduce the risk of flooding downstream on the Assiniboine River.

The centre cautions its outlook could change depending on precipitation ahead of the spring melt. The next flood forecast is due in late March and will include data from this weekend’s storm.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca